Ukrainian and Russian Manicures in London
A Ukrainian manicure — often called a Russian manicure — is a dry technique. No water, no soaking and no cuticle nippers. The cuticle is lifted and cleaned back with an e-file so that gel can be applied right to the base of the nail without touching the skin. That single detail is what makes the result look seamless and what pushes wear time from two weeks to four.
Ukrainian manicure vs a standard manicure
No soaking
Soaking swells the nail plate. Gel applied to a swollen nail lifts as it dries out. A dry manicure avoids the problem entirely.
E-file rather than nippers
Nippers cut skin, which grows back thicker and often ragged. An e-file cleans the cuticle line without cutting, so the skin around the nail stays smooth between appointments.
Colour applied to the base of the nail
Because the cuticle area is properly clean, colour reaches the base without flooding. There is no visible gap growing out after a week, which is why the manicure still looks intentional at week three.
Is a Russian manicure safe?
In trained hands, yes. The risk with e-file cuticle work is entirely down to the technician: pressure, bit selection and angle. Our artists are trained in the technique and work on it every day, which is a different proposition from a salon that added it to the menu last year.
Ukrainian manicure prices in London
- Gel manicure with the Ukrainian technique — from £50
- No-polish manicure — from £38
- Hybrid manicure, Manucurist Paris — from £45
- BIAB new set — from £56
- Heated mask with massage — £18
Which treatment to book
The technique is our standard on every manicure, pedicure and BIAB service — it is not an upgrade you pay extra for. Choose the finish you want on top:
Gel manicures · BIAB nails · Pedicures
Booking a Ukrainian manicure in London
Allow around 90 minutes for a first appointment. Both salons offer the technique seven days a week.
Ukrainian manicures in Shoreditch · Ukrainian manicures in Spitalfields
Ukrainian manicure FAQs
Is a Ukrainian manicure the same as a Russian manicure?
The terms are used interchangeably for the same dry, e-file technique. We use both because clients search for both.
Does it hurt?
It should not. You may feel warmth from the e-file bit, but pain means too much pressure and is a sign to speak up.
How long does it last?
Three to four weeks, and often longer than a standard gel manicure because there is no gap at the cuticle from week one.
Can I have a Ukrainian manicure if my cuticles are damaged?
Yes, and it usually improves them. Because the skin is not cut, it grows back thinner and less ragged over a few appointments.